ORATORIO—“ST. PAUL.”

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2114, 2 December 1880, Page 3

ORATORIO—“ST. PAUL.”

The Harmonic Society gave this grand work,as its first concert of the season, 1880-81 in St. John’s Schoolroom last evening. The attendance was very small; indeed it would be so reckoned for a parish entertainment. Where were the boasted innumerable musical people of Christchurch ? What is the cause of such meagre patronage at tbe performance of one of tbe grandest musical compositions, preferred by many to Mendelsohn’s “Elijah?” This used not to be. There is a secret somewhere that must be unravelled; for to put such a work before the public, in the manner “ St. Paul” was last night, and, presumably, from our leading musicians, is not creditable. The oratorio has been given here several times within the past ten or twelve years, but in a manner far superior to last night’s performance. The conductor was not within view of one-third of his chorus (who, by the way, seemed to ignore his presence, as our choruses usually do), the band was scattered, and consequently failed to play together in the style they are capable of doing, and it seemed that the chorus vied with each other as to strength of voice. Why will not a chorus endeavour to sing with the same care and attention as they would expect from their soloists ? There was too much independence in the whole of last night’s work, which must be got rid of ere the perfection of chorus singing is attained. There appeared a lack of finish about the whole performance. The music was given as it was written, but most of the many effective points with which the work teems were lost for the want of expression. The chorus, “Stone him to death,” was utterly spoiled for lack of acoent and spirit, and so were most of the other numbers, though the rendering of several were most praiseworthy. The chorales were fairly given, but not in a manner to reveal their beauty. Miss Rowley sang the soprano solos with tbe clearness of voice and correct rendering of the music which characterise all her efforts. Miss B. B. Rowley, who sang “ But the Lord,” carried off the honours of the concert, as she left nothing to be desired in her rendering of it. Mr Izard was overweighted in the tenor music, his best effort being the opening recitative. The fine solo “Be thou faithful ” was spoilt entirely, and the ’cello obligato to it was missing. Mr Runcie was not successful in the bass part. Mr Nicholls made a creditable dehut in oratorio, his single solo, “ I praise thee,” being very fairly given The orchestra was stronger than usual, and played very creditably. Mr Landergan had a very arduous task in playing the harmonium and conducting. It was a pity that he did double duty, as the errors we have pointed out would otherwise perhaps have been nnnoticeable. It is unpleasant to draw public attention to the defects in a society performance ; but, as it is representative, or supposed to be, of our musical talent, it is better that home truths should not be spared, if by fair criticism a greater success may be obtained.